Morris Claiborne of LSU is the consensus top cornerback in the 2012 draft. An unexpected medical issue may give some teams pause about drafting him in the top five.

According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Claiborne revealed after the Tigers’ Thursday Pro Day that he will undergo wrist surgery on Friday. The procedure will repair a torn ligament in Claiborne’s left wrist.

He suffered the injury in LSU’s 9-6 regular-season overtime win against Alabama, but played through torn ligament the rest of the way. Claiborne had an interception against the Crimson Tide, and two more in the Tigers’ final five games.

I would guess he wanted to work out and get his pro-day done first. You can't really lift or run properly with your wrist in a cast, but apparently it wasn't bad enough to hold him out of drills or even to keep him from playing. I would be willing to bet this doesn't hurt him much, if at all, and he'll be ready to go by pre-season.

Morris Claiborne of LSU is the consensus top cornerback in the 2012 draft. An unexpected medical issue may give some teams pause about drafting him in the top five.

According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Claiborne revealed after the Tigers’ Thursday Pro Day that he will undergo wrist surgery on Friday. The procedure will repair a torn ligament in Claiborne’s left wrist.

He suffered the injury in LSU’s 9-6 regular-season overtime win against Alabama, but played through torn ligament the rest of the way. Claiborne had an interception against the Crimson Tide, and two more in the Tigers’ final five games.

If the Lions take a CB at 23 I think its going to be Stephan Gilmore, here is my evaluation:

Positives:Athlectic, tall, solidly built corner - a true Playmaker - natural on an Island - physical nature to his gameimpressive lateral quickness in mirroring - Combine #'s 3.94 shuttle and 6.61 3-cone are above averagegood initial burst when asked to turn and runkeeps his base down and under body for excellant balanceuses length well to work an arm bar toward the sidelinefluid in his hips - cleanly out of his backpedal and gets up to speed quicklyGood straight-line speed for his size - Combine # 4.4 for size is NFL starter quialitymakes it tough on defenders to separate verticallyability to re-route because of his size, length and quicknessstrength off the line when asked to pressa good closing burst on the footballReliable hands "Plus" tackler - 79 tackles in 2010, 3 sacks, 3 TFL Quality run defender good range in the deep half with above-average ball skills in space - Former QB and WR - understands the gameDurable Experienced starter - played in SC pres-bail/off-coverage - best near line of scrimmage - Understands zone concepts and landmarks Upside - could line up at Safety at times if needed

Negatives:Not a Wrap up tackler - low cut tacklesInconsistent - 2011 was an off year - tendency to want to get upright and open up his hips prematurelygives up far too much cushion underneathIsn't nearly as balanced in off/zone conceptsNeeds to be more patient in his dropforced to get overextended with his footwork in order to click and close - athletic ability shows he can improve in this areadoesn't always trust what he sees - a bit tentative at timesGambles

If the Lions take a CB at 23 I think its going to be Stephan Gilmore, here is my evaluation:

Positives:Athlectic, tall, solidly built corner - a true Playmaker - natural on an Island - physical nature to his gameimpressive lateral quickness in mirroring - Combine #'s 3.94 shuttle and 6.61 3-cone are above averagegood initial burst when asked to turn and runkeeps his base down and under body for excellant balanceuses length well to work an arm bar toward the sidelinefluid in his hips - cleanly out of his backpedal and gets up to speed quicklyGood straight-line speed for his size - Combine # 4.4 for size is NFL starter quialitymakes it tough on defenders to separate verticallyability to re-route because of his size, length and quicknessstrength off the line when asked to pressa good closing burst on the footballReliable hands "Plus" tackler - 79 tackles in 2010, 3 sacks, 3 TFL Quality run defender good range in the deep half with above-average ball skills in space - Former QB and WR - understands the gameDurable Experienced starter - played in SC pres-bail/off-coverage - best near line of scrimmage - Understands zone concepts and landmarks Upside - could line up at Safety at times if needed

Negatives:Not a Wrap up tackler - low cut tacklesInconsistent - 2011 was an off year - tendency to want to get upright and open up his hips prematurelygives up far too much cushion underneathIsn't nearly as balanced in off/zone conceptsNeeds to be more patient in his dropforced to get overextended with his footwork in order to click and close - athletic ability shows he can improve in this areadoesn't always trust what he sees - a bit tentative at timesGambles

Scouting Report:A tall, solidly built corner with a physical nature to his game. Plays in mostly pres-bail/off-coverage at South Carolina and is at his best when he's near the line of scrimmage. For his size showcases impressive lateral quickness in order to mirror. Can keep his base down and under himself initially, but his base level rises the longer he's asked to sit into his drop. However, collects himself quickly and showcases a good initial burst when asked to turn and run. Uses his length well to work an arm bar toward the sideline. Is fluid in his hips, cleanly out of his backpedal and gets up to speed quickly. Exhibits good straight-line speed for his size (played like a mid 4.4 guy) and made it tough on defenders to separate vertically. Showcases some strength off the line when asked to press, has the ability to re-route because of his size, length and quickness, but needs to continue to improve his footwork in order to stay more compact/balanced.

Isn't nearly as balanced in off/zone concepts. Has a tendency to want to get upright and open up his hips prematurely. Doesn't feel the routes of receivers overly well, at times he gives up far too much cushion underneath and struggles to get back out of his breaks. Will get caught with his hips locked prematurely with his back to the sideline and is forced to get overextended with his footwork in order to click and close or simply bail out of his drop and turn his back to the receiver in order to loop around toward the football. Needs to do a better job being more patient in his drop, sitting lower and staying more compact with his footwork. However, he is the kind of athlete that can improve in this area. He showcases natural bend, quickness and fluidity to his game. When he does set his feet, showcases a good closing burst on the football. Exhibits good range in the deep half with above-average ball skills in space.

Will even line-up at safety at times. Does a nice job reading the action in front of him and getting early jumps on the ball. However, doesn't always trust what he sees when asked to close and can get a bit tentative at times. Nevertheless, is a "plus" tackler at the position who isn't afraid to come up near the line of scrimmage and throw his weight around. Is a strong kid who generates a pop on contact and will wrap on the play. At times gets a bit lazy wrapping, but has the skill set and length to fend off blocks on the edge and breakdown on the ball carrier.

Impression: Is a "plus" sized corner with good quickness and fluidity. Needs to clean up his footwork in off/zone concepts, but has skill set to play near the line, check receivers and turn and run. Should be able to fight for a starting role during his rookie year in more of a zone scheme.

_________________Proud member of the Contract Extension for Schwartz Fan Club.

Believe the chances of Gilmore being gone by 23 are increasing. Wouldn't be surprised to see him taken before Dre Kirkpatrick, and he could be gone by our pick as well. So if the Lions want a corner in the 1st, they might be stuck with Janoris Jenkins, unless they trade up.

March 27th, 2012, 8:07 am

kdsberman

Team MVP

Joined: February 20th, 2007, 10:51 pmPosts: 3422Location: Saginaw, MI

Re: Cornerbacks

liontrax wrote:

Believe the chances of Gilmore being gone by 23 are increasing. Wouldn't be surprised to see him taken before Dre Kirkpatrick, and he could be gone by our pick as well. So if the Lions want a corner in the 1st, they might be stuck with Janoris Jenkins, unless they trade up.

Joined: October 20th, 2004, 4:16 pmPosts: 10066Location: Where ever I'm at now

Re: Cornerbacks

kdsberman wrote:

liontrax wrote:

Believe the chances of Gilmore being gone by 23 are increasing. Wouldn't be surprised to see him taken before Dre Kirkpatrick, and he could be gone by our pick as well. So if the Lions want a corner in the 1st, they might be stuck with Janoris Jenkins, unless they trade up.

Being "stuck with Jenkins" isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Hell no, it's not a bad thing. I was against the Lions taking him after the college season ended, but all indications are that he's ditched his old lifestyle and friends and is now focused on football. He was impressive at the Senior Bowl, and had solid workouts in the Combines. If the Lions "ended up" with him, it's entirely possible he's considered a steal a year or two from now.

_________________I will not put on blinders when it comes to our QBs performances.

March 27th, 2012, 11:16 am

wjb21ndtown

Re: Cornerbacks

m2karateman wrote:

kdsberman wrote:

liontrax wrote:

Believe the chances of Gilmore being gone by 23 are increasing. Wouldn't be surprised to see him taken before Dre Kirkpatrick, and he could be gone by our pick as well. So if the Lions want a corner in the 1st, they might be stuck with Janoris Jenkins, unless they trade up.

Being "stuck with Jenkins" isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Hell no, it's not a bad thing. I was against the Lions taking him after the college season ended, but all indications are that he's ditched his old lifestyle and friends and is now focused on football. He was impressive at the Senior Bowl, and had solid workouts in the Combines. If the Lions "ended up" with him, it's entirely possible he's considered a steal a year or two from now.

It's also entirely possible that he tries to bring the "hood" along with him (a la Mike Vick, Pacman Jones). He's a coin flip, that's what I don't like about him. Great upside, huge downside. Worthy pick, no doubt, but there are others that are less risky and will help the team just as much, or more.

March 27th, 2012, 3:54 pm

liontrax

3rd Round Selection

Joined: March 21st, 2005, 2:11 pmPosts: 1144Location: Wolverine, Mi.

Re: Cornerbacks

kdsberman wrote:

liontrax wrote:

Believe the chances of Gilmore being gone by 23 are increasing. Wouldn't be surprised to see him taken before Dre Kirkpatrick, and he could be gone by our pick as well. So if the Lions want a corner in the 1st, they might be stuck with Janoris Jenkins, unless they trade up.

Being "stuck with Jenkins" isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Yea, I wasn't trying to imply it was a bad thing, just saying. In fact he is possibly the most polished corner on the board. But the others might have more upside, and have better size.

March 27th, 2012, 6:19 pm

kdsberman

Team MVP

Joined: February 20th, 2007, 10:51 pmPosts: 3422Location: Saginaw, MI

Re: Cornerbacks

liontrax wrote:

kdsberman wrote:

liontrax wrote:

Believe the chances of Gilmore being gone by 23 are increasing. Wouldn't be surprised to see him taken before Dre Kirkpatrick, and he could be gone by our pick as well. So if the Lions want a corner in the 1st, they might be stuck with Janoris Jenkins, unless they trade up.

Being "stuck with Jenkins" isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Yea, I wasn't trying to imply it was a bad thing, just saying. In fact he is possibly the most polished corner on the board. But the others might have more upside, and have better size.

True, he is somewhat small. BUT, apparently this hasnt affected him one bit.

The way I look at it is whichever CB we draft (highly assuming we draft one early), they have to practice against Calvin, and that instantly should make that corner that much better.

Joined: October 20th, 2004, 4:16 pmPosts: 10066Location: Where ever I'm at now

Re: Cornerbacks

wjb21ndtown wrote:

m2karateman wrote:

kdsberman wrote:

liontrax wrote:

Believe the chances of Gilmore being gone by 23 are increasing. Wouldn't be surprised to see him taken before Dre Kirkpatrick, and he could be gone by our pick as well. So if the Lions want a corner in the 1st, they might be stuck with Janoris Jenkins, unless they trade up.

Being "stuck with Jenkins" isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Hell no, it's not a bad thing. I was against the Lions taking him after the college season ended, but all indications are that he's ditched his old lifestyle and friends and is now focused on football. He was impressive at the Senior Bowl, and had solid workouts in the Combines. If the Lions "ended up" with him, it's entirely possible he's considered a steal a year or two from now.

It's also entirely possible that he tries to bring the "hood" along with him (a la Mike Vick, Pacman Jones). He's a coin flip, that's what I don't like about him. Great upside, huge downside. Worthy pick, no doubt, but there are others that are less risky and will help the team just as much, or more.

I think if the Lions have any inkling that Jenkins is still hanging out with that same crowd, they will pass over him. My understanding is that Jenkins interviewed very well, but Kirkpatrick is the one that struggled during the interview process at the Combines. I would hope that the front office knows what they're doing and can see past any smokescreens put up by Jenkins or Kirkpatrick.

_________________I will not put on blinders when it comes to our QBs performances.

I'm worried about Jenkins. Anyone who hasn't learnt, after his third unplanned kid with a third different woman, that contraception is perhaps a good idea is someone who just can't be that smart IMO. (I am right in recalling he has 4 kids by 4 different women at age 20, or something?)